Jana Birchum

Best Parade for Spectators and Participants

Austin Pride

Imagine all the people – over 92 entries, 2,000 paraders, and 70,000 viewers, by all estimates and accounts – at 2012's Austin Pride Parade. The route emerges from San Jacinto east of the Capitol, onto 11th, then down Congress Avenue, a rollout of rainbow carpet headed down to the Fourth Street gay bar district. In years past, the parade boasted then-impressive numbers of 10-30,000, but the great leap forward happened last year. And this year? Hold on to your chaps: 128 entries, 3,000 paraders, and spectators that numbered in the six figures. Imagine sharing all the world (let alone that space!) and living life in peace. Imagine! We hope next year you'll join us, and Austin will roll as one.